Relationships the Reason for Vontae Davis Returning to Indy

Intro: Over the next two weeks, Colts.com will take a look at some individual profiles with players returning to the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center for offseason work on April 21. Today it’s Vontae Davis and why he came back to Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS – For most players that just signed a major free agent deal, an offseason weekend spent in northern Indiana isn’t something that sounds too appealing.

That means another four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and while that remains his immediate focus, the 25-year old was at the University of Notre Dame over the last four days taking part in the NFL’s Business Management & Entrepreneurial Program.

“It’s a program to educate NFL guys about business, entrepreneurship, building business outside of football once your career is over and also understanding business plans,” Davis told NFL AM on Friday.

“It’s just helping transition from the NFL when you retire from the NFL.”

That day for Davis is a long time away thanks to the relationships he has forged here in Indianapolis.

Plenty of suitors wanted Davis this offseason but the former first-round pick knew where he ultimately wanted to continue playing.

“Of course Indianapolis has been a great program,” Davis told NFL Network.

“Playing under them for two years has really helped my growth process. I just credit the coaches and the organization for helping me develop not only as a player but as a person.”

Davis enters his third season with the Colts as the longest tenured returning starter in the secondary.

Late last season, Davis’ name emerged as a candidate to make his first Pro Bowl.

The Colts see a Pro Bowler in Davis and consider him a linchpin on a defense looking to rise in 2014.

Davis knows the unit has to improve next season, if the Colts want to play deeper into January.

Under the tutelage of multiple defensive backs coach, Davis is thrilled to be back in Indianapolis for reasons extending past the gridiron.

“(Pagano and I) have a personal relationship outside of football and that goes a long way with guys. Football is a game but it’s more about life skills and development. We talk on a personal level. Just talking about off the field life skills. It’s really helped me transition on the field, understand the little things more. I credit Coach Pagano for helping my growth process.”

Stay up-to-date on everything Colts! Sign-up for the Colts E-newsletter